Integrated container protection tab

ABSTRACT

A stay-tab is adapted to be attached to a container and to be manipulated to create a dispensing opening in the container. The stay-tab includes a protection feature adapted to be moved into substantial juxtapositional orientation with the opening to substantially prevent objectionable objects from entering through the opening while still allowing dispensation of contents through the opening.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The technical field of the inventions relate to containers used forpackaging beverages, and more particularly to stay-tab type beveragecans.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The beverage industry encompasses the production, packaging anddistribution of a wide variety of beverages including beer, soft drinks,tea, juices and drinking water. Several types of packaging containersare used in the beverage industry including waxed cardboard cartons,plastic or glass bottles and jugs, as well as aluminum cans. Asignificant portion of beer and soft drink production is packaged inaluminum cans. Aluminum cans or containers have been used for packagingbeer and soft drinks for decades.

Early beverage cans required the use of a can piercing device or othertool to pierce holes in the can in order to open the can or otherwisegain access to the beverage contents. In the early 1960's what is knownas the pop-top or pull-tab beverage can was introduced. The new pull-tabcans could be opened without using any type of device or tool. This wasmade possible by stamping a score line in the top of each can. Thestamped score line defined or circumscribed a small panel to which apull-tab or ring was attached.

To open the can, one end of the pull-tab was tilted upward and pulledaway from the top of the can. This tilting and pulling of the tab causedthe score line to rupture, thereby unsealing the can. To complete theopening process, the tab was pulled until the entire panel along withthe connected pull-tab was completely separated from the can, thusleaving an opening through which the beverage could be drunk. Theseparated pull-tab and attached panel were often indiscriminatelydiscarded, or in some cases placed inside the can, by the user. Suchactions led to both environmental and user safety concerns.

At least partially in response to these concerns an improved containerknown as the stay-tab can was introduced in the 1970's. The now familiarstay-tab can is similar to the older pull-tab can except that with thestay-tab can the tab is attached to the lid but not attached to thepanel as with the older pull-tab can. Another difference is that withthe stay-tab can the score line does not completely circumscribe thepanel as with the older style can. Thus, with the stay-tab can, both thetab and the panel remain attached to the can upon completion of theopening process.

Typical aluminum stay-tab beverage cans consist of three pieces usuallyformed from cold-rolled aluminum alloy. The largest piece of the can isa deep cylindrical main section with integral bottom end that istypically formed by a wall-ironing or other suitable process. The nextlargest piece of the can is a stamped top or lid that is typicallysealed to the main section after filling. The third piece of the can isthe stay-tab, which is connected to the top just outside the scoredpanel.

Although the prior art stay-tab type container can provide benefitscompared with the earlier pull-tab can, various associated problems haveremained unsolved. For example, when used to contain certain drinks, andespecially sweetened drinks like soda pop or juices, an open stay-tabcontainer can be highly attractive and accessible to various types ofvenomous or poisonous flying insects, as well as disease-carrying verminsuch as flies. Such insects can easily enter an open stay-tab containerunbeknownst to the user. When a user attempts to drink from an openstay-tab can having such an insect inside, the results can besignificantly less than pleasant—especially in the case of an aggressivestinging insect such as a wasp, bee, or hornet.

Some or all of the problems explained above and other problems may behelped or solved by the inventions shown and described herein. Suchinventions may also be used to address other problems not set out aboveor which are developed at a later time. The future may also bring tolight unknown benefits which may be in the future appreciated from thenovel inventions shown and described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Specific forms, configurations, embodiments and/or diagrams relating toand helping to describe preferred versions of the inventions areexplained and characterized herein, often with reference to theaccompanying drawings. The drawings and all features shown therein alsoserve as part of the disclosure of the inventions of the currentapplication whether described in text or merely by graphical disclosurealone. Such drawings are briefly described below.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sealed and unopened containerapparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the apparatus depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged top view depicting in isolation the stay-tab shownin FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view depicting in isolation thestay-tab shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram depicting a method of opening a containerapparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a top view of an opened container apparatus in accordance withone embodiment of the disclosure, with the stay-tab moved into aposition substantially covering the opening.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Table ListingSubsections of Detailed Description

A table of subsections for the detail description is below.

Table of Subsections Table Listing Subsections of Detailed DescriptionIntroductory Notes Overview of the Apparatus Construction and Materialsof the Apparatus General Configuration of Stay-Tab Stay-Tab Aperturesand Barrier Method of Opening Container Method of Positioning Stay-TabSize and Shape of Stay-Tab Manner and Methods of Use InterpretationNotes

Introductory Notes

The readers of this document should understand that the embodimentsdescribed herein may rely on terminology used in any section of thisdocument and other terms readily apparent from the drawings and thelanguage common therefor as may be known in a particular art and such asknown or indicated and provided by dictionaries. Dictionaries were usedin the preparation of this document. Widely known and used in thepreparation hereof are Webster's Third New International Dictionary(©1993), The Oxford English Dictionary (Second Edition, ©1989), and TheNew Century Dictionary (©2001-2005), all of which are herebyincorporated by reference for interpretation of terms used herein andfor application and use of words defined in such references to moreadequately or aptly describe various features, aspects and conceptsshown or otherwise described herein using more appropriate words havingmeanings applicable to such features, aspects and concepts.

This document is premised upon using one or more terms with oneembodiment that may also apply to other embodiments for similarstructures, functions, features and aspects of the invention. Wordingused in the claims is also descriptive of the invention and the text ofboth claims and abstract are incorporated by reference into thedescription entirely in the form as originally filed. Terminology usedwith one, some or all embodiments may be used for describing anddefining the technology and exclusive rights associated herewith.

The readers of this document should further understand that theembodiments described herein may rely on terminology and features usedin any section or embodiment shown in this document and other termsreadily apparent from the drawings and language common or propertherefor. This document is premised upon using one or more terms orfeatures shown in one embodiment that may also apply to or be combinedwith other embodiments for similar structures, functions, features andaspects of the invention and provide additional embodiments of theinventions.

Overview of the Apparatus

It is to be understood that the term pull-tab, as generally used herein,is generally intended to encompass all types of pull-tabs for use onpull-tab type beverage cans or containers. By contrast, the termstay-tab is intended to denote only those types of pull-tabs that are tobe used with stay-tab type beverage cans or containers. Moreover, theterm tab is intended to denote either a pull-tab or a stay-tab dependingupon the context in which the term is used. As is discussed hereinabove, the stay-tab type of beverage container is that which is designedsuch that the scored panel and the pull-tab do not become separated fromthe remainder of the beverage container during or as a result of theopening process.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view depicting an apparatus 100 in accordancewith at least one embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 2 is a top view ofthe apparatus 100 depicted in FIG. 1. In accordance with one embodimentof the disclosure, the apparatus 100 can generally be in the form of atypical stay-tab beverage can or container with the exception of certaindifferences and/or improvements specifically described herein below.Generally, such an apparatus 100 can have the form of a three-piecebeverage can consisting of a main body portion 110, a lid or top wall120, and a stay-tab 130, of which at least the stay-tab can incorporateone or more improvements or differences over conventional prior artstay-tabs.

In accordance with at least one improvement and/or novel aspect of thedisclosure, the stay-tab 130 includes one or more protection featuresthat can serve to substantially prevent certain types of undesirable orobjectionable objects from entering a container to which the stay-tab isattached. Such objects can include, for example, stinging insects suchas bees, hornets and wasps. In an exemplary embodiment, these protectionfeatures are in the form of at least one barrier 138. The barrier 138can be substantially integral with the stay-tab 130. The barrier 138 canat least partially define a plurality of apertures 134 through whichliquid contents of a container can be dispensed as is more fullydescribed below. The barrier 138 can also serve to substantiallydiscourage pests, such as stinging insects, from entering the container.

Construction and Materials of the Apparatus

One or more of the main body 110, the lid 120, and the stay-tab 130 canbe formed from cold-rolled aluminum alloy sheet. The main body 110 canbe formed by wall-ironing or the like into a one-piece cylindricalopen-top receptacle having an integral bottom. The substantiallydisk-like lid 120 can be formed by stamping or the like. The lid 120 canfurther be adapted to be sealed by swaging or other such means onto theopen top of the main body 110 after filling, thereby enclosing thefilled contents within the container 100. The lid 120 can have one ormore score lines 121 that at least partially circumscribe and define aclosure panel 122. The panel 122 can be configured to be opened bymanipulation of the stay-tab 130 so as to cause the score line 121 torupture or break as is described herein above with respect toconventional containers.

The stay-tab 130 can be formed using any of a number of techniquesincluding stamping. The stay-tab 130 can have a first end 131 and asecond end 132. The first end 131 can be called a reticulated end andthe second end 132 can be called an impingement end for reasons whichare apparent from discussion further below. The stay-tab 130 includes aconnection point 133 at which the stay-tab is to be connected or mountedto a lid of a container. The connection point 133 can include or besubstantially in the form of a hole or the like defined in the stay-tab130. The connection point 133 can be between the first end 131 and thesecond end 132 of the stay-tab 130. In accordance with at least oneembodiment of the disclosure, the stay-tab 130 can be substantiallypermanently connected to the lid 120 at the connection point 133.

The connection of the stay-tab 130 to the lid 120 can be accomplished byany of a number of means such as by way of a stud rivet or the like (notshown) that can be integrally formed as part of the lid. In this manner,the stay-tab 130, after connection to the lid 120, is substantiallypivotal or rotatable relative to the lid substantially about theconnection point 133. As a result of the usual manner of connection ofthe stay-tab 130 to the lid 120, the stay-tab is not freely rotatable.Rather, the average stay-tab 130 connection allows the stay-tab to bepivoted by substantially moderate forceful manipulation.

General Configuration of Stay-Tab

Turning now to FIGS. 3 and 4, an enlarged top view and an enlargedperspective view, respectively, depict the stay-tab 130 in isolation. Inaccordance with at least one embodiment of the disclosure, an apparatusincludes the stay-tab 130. As explained above, the connection point 133of the stay-tab 130 can be substantially in the form of a hole or thelike in conjunction with which a rivet or other such fastening means canbe employed for connecting the stay-tab 130 to the lid 120. The stay-tab130 can include one or more stiffening features 139. The stiffeningfeature 139 is adapted to resist bending of the stay-tab 130 such asduring opening of the container. The stiffening feature 139 can have anyof a number of possible forms including but not limited to a ridge, rim,flange or the like, one or more of which can be peripheral and/ornon-peripheral.

A slit or cut 135 can also be defined in the stay-tab 130. The slit orcut 135 can substantially surround the connection point 133 and can bein relatively close proximity to the connection point as shown. Thelocation of the slit or cut 135 relative to the connection point 133 isintended to allow a small portion of the stay-tab 130 in a region nearthe connection point and the slit or cut to bend or deform. Such bendingor deformation of the small portion of the stay-tab 130 can enable thestay-tab to tilt relative to the lid 120 between an extended positionand a retracted position. The stay-tab 130 can be tilted substantiallyabout the connection point 133. More particularly, the first end 131 ofthe stay-tab 130 can be pulled and tilted upwardly and away from the lid120 during the opening process while also allowing the stay-tab toremain securely connected to the lid by way of the connection point 133.

As is seen with reference to FIGS. 1 through 4, the location of the slitor cut 135 in conjunction with the location of the connection point 133can result in the impingement end 132 of the stay-tab 130 being tiltedor moved substantially downwardly when the reticulated end 131 of thestay-tab is pulled and tilted upwardly relative to the lid 120. Suchpositioning of the connection point 133 and the slit or cut 135 betweenthe reticulated end 131 and the impingement end 132 of the stay-tab 130can cause the stay-tab to act substantially as a lever in facilitationof the opening process. More particularly, when the first end 131 ispulled and tilted upwardly and away from the lid 120 the resultingforceful impingement of the second end 132 of the stay-tab 130 againstthe panel 122 can cause the score line 121 to rupture or break, which inturn can cause the panel to open, thereby forming the dispensing opening99.

Stay-Tab Apertures and Barrier

The stay-tab 130 includes one or more protection features thatsubstantially prevent entry through the opening 99 of undesirableobjects such as stinging insects and the like. Additionally, theseprotection features allow a liquid contends to be dispensed from theopening 99 in a substantially unrestricted manner. In the exemplaryembodiment depicted herein, these protection features include thebarrier 138. The barrier 138 can at least partially define a pluralityof apertures 134. The apertures 134 can be defined in the first end 131of the stay-tab 130.

The barrier 138 can be substantially integral with the stay-tab as isdepicted. The barrier 138 can be substantially within the main peripheryof the stay-tab 130 as in accordance with the exemplary embodimentdepicted herein. It is to be understood, however, that in accordancewith at least one embodiment not depicted herein, at least a portion ofthe barrier 138 can be substantially on or outside the main periphery ofthe stay-tab 130.

One or more of the plurality of apertures 134 can be closed, with acontinuous perimeter. At least one of the apertures 134 can be definedwholly within the stay-tab 130. However, it is also to be understoodthat at least one of the apertures 134 can be open, with a discontinuousperimeter. For example, at least a portion of one of the apertures 134can be formed and/or defined by the barrier 138 or other part of thestay-tab 130, while another portion or remainder of the aperture can beformed or defined by the lid 120. More specifically, at least oneaperture 134 can be substantially defined between the lid 120 and thestay-tab 130.

Each of the apertures 134 can have any of a number of various shapesand/or sizes. For example, one or more of the apertures 134 can have asubstantially polygonal shape and/or at least one aperture can have asubstantially non-polygonal shape. Moreover, the apertures 134 can bearranged in any of a number of various patterns such as but not limitedto rows and columns, arrays, spirals, concentric rings with or withoutconnection links, and the like. The apertures 134 can alternatively bearranged in a substantially random pattern.

Similarly, the barrier 138 can have any of a number of suitable shapes,arrangements, orientations, and patterns. In accordance with one or moreembodiments of the disclosure, the shape of the barrier 138 complimentsand/or defines the shape of the adjacent aperture 134, and vice versa.The barrier 138 can have a substantially random shape or configuration.More particularly, for example, the barrier 138 can be reticulated. Asis depicted, at least one aperture 134 and/or at least one barrier 138can be arranged in a pattern that can be described as a sunburst patternor a spider web pattern.

As in the exemplary embodiment depicted herein, the plurality ofapertures 134 can include at least one central aperture 137 that islocated substantially in the middle or center of the plurality ofapertures 134. Also, at least a portion of the plurality of apertures134 can be peripheral apertures 136, which substantially surround thecentral aperture 137. The peripheral apertures 136 can be arrangedsubstantially concentrically relative to the outer edge of the first end131 of the stay-tab 130. The plurality of apertures 134 can include botha central aperture 137 and a plurality of peripheral apertures 136.

One or more of the apertures 134 can be oval-shaped, such as the centralaperture 137 as shown. Similarly, at least one of the plurality ofapertures 134 can be substantially triangular or wedge-shaped, such asthe peripheral apertures 136 as is also depicted. At least a portion ofthe barrier 138 can be in the form of a substantially straight elementor the like, as is depicted. As is further shown, at least a portion ofthe barrier 138 can be in the form of a curved or rounded element suchas the portion of the barrier adjacent to the central aperture 137.

The barrier 138 and the apertures 134 can be of a size and/orconfiguration so as to not substantially restrict dispensing liquidcontents from a container to which the stay-tab 130 is attached.Dispensation of a liquid contents can include, but is not limited to,drinking or pouring liquid from a container. Additionally, the barrier138 and the apertures 134 are of a size and/or configuration so as toprevent or substantially discourage certain types of insects fromentering a container to which the stay-tab 130 is connected. Morespecifically, for example, the barrier 138 is configured to preventundesirable objects such as stinging flying insects and the like frombeing able to easily negotiate their way through any of the apertures.As configured in such a manner, the stay-tab 130 is adapted to present asubstantial barrier to undesirable objects, yet at the same time enablea reasonable flow of a liquid dispensed from a container.

Method of Opening Container

The usual initial position and/or orientation of the stay-tab 130relative to the lid 120 upon completion of a filling process is thatwhich is depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2. From this position, the stay-tab 130can be manipulated generally in the manner of a conventional stay-tab soas to form a dispensing opening 99. After the opening 99 is formed, theimproved stay-tab 130 can then to be moved to a position wherein thebarrier 138 and/or the plurality of apertures 134 is in substantialjuxtapositional orientation with the opening, as is shown in the topview of FIG. 6. With the barrier 138 substantially over the opening 99,the liquid contends of the container apparatus 100 can be dispensed suchas by pouring or drinking in the manner of a conventional container.However, foreign objects including insects and the like aresubstantially blocked or discouraged from entering the container by theimproved stay-tab 130. barrier 138 and/or by the configuration of theapertures 134.

With reference to FIG. 5, a schematic diagram depicts an exemplarythree-step method or process of opening the container apparatus 100. Thecontainer apparatus 100 which is shown in the upper left of the diagramdepicts an initial state of the apparatus prior to commencement of thefirst step S10 in the exemplary opening process. This initial state ofthe apparatus 100 is generally the same as that immediately aftercompletion of the manufacturing or filling process in which a liquidcommodity is placed into the container, and the container is sealed.

In the initial state of the apparatus 100 prior to commencement of thefirst step S10 in the exemplary opening process, the closure panel 122is in place and the score line 121 has not been broken or ruptured.Also, the stay-tab 130 has a substantially parallel orientation relativeto the lid 120. The stay-tab 130 is further oriented such that theconnection point 133 is substantially between the panel 122 and thefirst end 131 of the stay-tab. More specifically, the stay-tab 130 isoriented such that the second end 132 of the stay-tab 130 relativelyproximal to the panel 122 while the first end 131 is relatively distalfrom the panel.

The container apparatus 100 shown in the upper right of the diagramdepicts a state of the apparatus upon completion of the first step S10in an opening process. A study of FIG. 5 reveals that upon completion ofthe first step S10, the first end 131 of the stay-tab 130 has beentilted substantially upwardly and/or has been pulled away from the lid120 from a retracted position to an extended position. Morespecifically, the first action S10 includes tilting or extending thestay-tab 130 from a substantially parallel orientation relative to thelid 120 to a substantially oblique orientation relative to the lid. Suchmovement of the stay-tab 130 can cause the second end 132 of thestay-tab to tilt substantially downwardly to thereby forcefully impingeagainst the panel 122. Such impingement of the stay-tab 130 against thepanel 122 can put pressure on the score line 121, thus causing the scoreline 121 to break or rupture.

Continued tilting or moving of the stay-tab 130 toward an extendedposition can cause the panel 122 to be substantially depressed or pushedinto the interior of the container apparatus 100. In this manner, theopening 99 is formed in the lid 120, through which opening the contentsof the container apparatus 100 can be drunk, poured or otherwisedispensed. The state of the apparatus 100 upon completion of the firststep S10 is substantially the same as the state of the apparatusimmediately prior to commencement of a second step S20 of an openingprocess.

Method of Positioning Stay-Tab

With continued reference to FIG. 5, the container apparatus 100 shown inthe lower left of the diagram depicts a state of the apparatus uponcompletion of the second step S20 of an exemplary opening process. Moreparticularly, upon completion of the second step S20 of the exemplaryopening process, the first end 131 of the stay-tab 130 has been pusheddownwardly back toward its original retracted position against the lid120. Thus, the second step S20 of the opening process can includetilting or retracting the stay-tab 130 downwardly from an extendedposition to a substantially parallel orientation relative to the lid120.

Also upon completion of the second step S20, the first or reticulatedend 131 of the stay-tab 130 is located substantially distally from theopening 99 while the second or impingement end 132 is locatedsubstantially proximally to the opening. Thus, the state of theapparatus 100 upon completion of the second step S20 of the openingprocess is substantially similar to the state of the apparatus prior tocommencement of the first step S10, except that the dispensing opening99 has been formed. Upon completion of the second step S20, the state ofthe apparatus 100 is substantially identical to the state of theapparatus immediately prior to commencement of a third step S30 in anopening process.

The container apparatus 100 shown in the lower right of the diagramdepicts a state of the apparatus upon completion of the third step S30of an opening process. Upon completion of the third step S30, thestay-tab 130 has been moved so that the first or reticulated end 131 isin substantial overlying juxtapositional relation to the opening 99.Thus, the third step S30 can include moving or turning the stay-tab 130about the connection point 133 so that the plurality of apertures 134and/or the barrier 138 is located substantially over the opening 99.Moving or positing the stay-tab 130 according to the third step S30 canspecifically include pivoting or turning the stay-tab 130. Morespecifically, the stay-tab 130 can be pivoted for about one-half turn,or 180° of rotation from its position immediately preceding commencementof the third step S30. In this manner, the first end 131 and the secondend 132 substantially reverse their respective positions duringaccomplishment of the third step S30.

The third step S30 can optionally further include depressing or pushingthe first or reticulated end 131 of the stay-tab 130 into a juxtaposedor overlying position relative to the dispensing opening 99. This ispreferably done after the barrier 138 has been moved into a positionsubstantially over the opening. Depending on the size and shape of thestay-tab 130, such depressing of the first end 131 of the stay-tab 130can include pushing the first end into the opening so that whenreleased, the first end may or may not spring back upwardly.Specifically for example, after depressing the first end 131 andreleasing it in this manner, the first end of the stay-tab willsubstantially cover or be within the opening 99 itself.

Thus, the stay-tab 130 can be positioned so that at least a portion ofthe reticulated end 131 thereof remains either over or within theopening 99. With at least a portion of the stay-tab 130 being locatedwithin the opening 99 in such a manner, the stay-tab is prevented frominadvertently rotating out of position. In other words, in this manner,the stay-tab 130 can be substantially locked into position wherein thereticulated end 131 substantially covers the opening 99. Additionally,such positioning of at least a portion of the stay-tab 130 within theopening 99 and below the top of the lid 120 can facilitate easierdrinking from the container apparatus 100 by minimizing interferencebetween the stay-tab and a user's lips, for example.

Size and Shape of Stay-Tab

Referring once more to FIG. 6, a top view depicts the containerapparatus 100 with the stay-tab 130 moved into a position substantiallycovering or occluding the opening 99, but liquid can be dispensed fromthe opening because of the configuration of the barrier 138. Inaccordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, theopening 99 and the reticulated end 131 of the stay-tab 130 can havesubstantially the same shape, or substantially similar shapes. By way ofexample, the reticulated end 131 of the stay-tab 130 can have asubstantially rounded shape as depicted to substantially match asubstantially rounded shape of the opening 99.

It is to be understood, however, that any particular portion of thestay-tab 130, including the reticulated end 131, can have any of anumber of possible shapes, contours, profiles, outlines and/or featuresincluding but not limited to those of polygonal, rounded, multi-faceted,oval and the like. For example, in accordance with an alternativeembodiment of the disclosure not specifically depict, both thereticulated end 131 of the stay-tab 130 and the opening 99 can havesubstantially complimentary rectangular shapes. In a similar manner, thesecond or impingement end 132 of the stay-tab 130 can have any of anumber of suitable shapes.

The first or reticulated end 131 of the stay-tab 130 can be smaller thanthe opening 99. In this manner, at least one aperture 134 can besubstantially formed or defined between the stay-tab 130 and the lid120. Additionally, if the reticulated end 131 of the stay-tab 130 is atleast slightly smaller than the opening 99, the reticulated end can bemore readily depressed or pushed into the opening after it is moved intoa position substantially covering the opening, as is described above. Aclose fit between the first end 131 and the opening 99 can assist inlocking the stay tab in position substantially within the opening.

Additional Description of Manner and Methods of Use

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the disclosure, a user canpurchase or otherwise obtain an apparatus 100 that is in a filled andsealed state or condition as is generally depicted in FIG. 1. The usercan then open the container apparatus 100 in the manner described abovewith reference to FIG. 5. With the dispensing opening 99 having beenformed in the lid 120, and with the stay-tab 130 having beensubstantially overlying the opening as is depicted in FIG. 6, the usercan dispense the contents of the container apparatus 100 through theopening and through the plurality of apertures 134. The configuration ofthe plurality of apertures 134 and the barrier 138 together with themethod of positioning of the stay-tab 130 in substantiallyjuxtapositional relation to the opening 99 can create one or more flowpassageways sized to substantially prevent undesirable insects and otherobjects from entering the container apparatus 100, while still allowingliquid contents to be dispensed.

In accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure, a method ofpackaging a liquid such as a beverage includes attaching the stay-tab130 to the lid 120 of a can 110. The method can further includeextending or tilting the first end 131 of the stay-tab 130 upwardly andtoward an extended position, thereby in response causing the second end132 to tilt downwardly to forcefully impinge on the panel 122 defined inthe lid. The method can also include pulling the first end 131 of thestay-tab 130 to an extended position relative to the lid 120 in order toform the opening 99 in the lid.

The method can further include pushing the first end 131 of the stay-tab130 back down toward a retracted position. In the retracted position,the stay-tab 130 can be substantially parallel with the lid 120. Thestay-tab 130 can be juxtapositionally oriented relative to the opening99. For example, the stay-tab 130 can be moved or positioned so that thefirst or reticulated end 131 is located substantially over the opening99. Positioning of the stay-tab 130 can be substantially in the form ofpivoting the stay-tab. For example, the stay-tab can be pivoted aboutthe connection point 133 for roughly one-half of a turn. When thereticulated end 131 has been so positioned, the barrier 138 can act tosubstantially block entry through the opening 99 of undesirable objectssuch as insects and the like.

The method can further include depressing or pressing the reticulatedend 131 of the stay-tab 130 into or through the opening 99 after thestay-tab is positioned so that the apertures 134 and/or the barrier 138is substantially over the opening. The method can include pouring,drinking and/or otherwise dispensing the liquid contents of the canthrough the opening 99 and substantially through the apertures.

Another method in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosureincludes attaching a stay-tab 130 to a lid 120 of a can or container.The stay-tab 130 includes a reticulated end 131 that is adapted to beextended when opening the can or container. The stay-tab 130 alsoincludes an impingement end 132 that is adapted to, as a result ofextending the reticulated end 131, forcefully impinge upon a panel 122defined in the lid, wherein such impingement upon the panel can resultin formation of a dispensing opening 99

In accordance with another method, a stay-tab 130 is attached to a lid120 of a can or container, wherein the stay-tab has a reticulatedbarrier 138. The stay-tab 130 is adapted to be repositioned after adispensing opening 99 is formed in the can or container. Suchrepositioning results in the barrier 138 being located substantiallyover the opening 99, thereby substantially blocking entry into the canor container of undesirable objects while allowing substantiallyunrestricted dispensation of the liquid.

Yet another method includes forming a stay-tab 130 having a reticulatedbarrier 138. The stay-tab 130 is adapted to be attached to a can orcontainer and is further adapted to be repositioned after a dispensingopening 99 is formed in the can or container. Such repositioning resultsin the reticulated barrier 138 substantially covering the opening 99,thereby substantially blocking entry into the can or container ofundesirable objects while allowing substantially unrestricteddispensation of the liquid.

An additional method includes filling a main body portion 110 of a canor container with a commodity, such as a liquid beverage or the like. Alid 120 can be attached to the main body portion 110 to seal the can orcontainer after filling. The lid 120 has a stay-tab 130 connectedthereto. The stay-tab 130 includes a reticulated barrier 138. Thestay-tab 130 is adapted to be repositioned after a dispensing opening 99is formed in the can or container. The repositioning results in thereticulated barrier 138 substantially covering the opening 99.

Interpretation Notes

The above description has set out various features, functions, methodsand other aspects of the inventions. This has been done with regard tothe currently preferred embodiments thereof. Time and furtherdevelopment may change the manner in which the various aspects areimplemented. Such aspects may further be added to by the language of theclaims which are incorporated by reference hereinto as originally filed.

The scope of protection accorded the inventions as defined by the claimsis not intended to be necessarily limited to the specific sizes, shapes,features or other aspects of the currently preferred embodiments shownand described. The claimed inventions may be implemented or embodied inother forms while still being within the concepts shown, described andclaimed herein. Also included are equivalents of the inventions whichcan be made without departing from the scope of concepts properlyprotected hereby.

1. An improved container having connected thereto a stay-tab adapted tobe manipulated to create a dispensing opening in the container, theimprovement comprising a protection feature adapted to be moved intosubstantial juxtapositional orientation with the opening tosubstantially prevent objectionable objects from entering through theopening while still allowing dispensation of contents through theopening.
 2. The container according to claim 1, wherein the protectionfeature is at least partially defined by the stay-tab.
 3. The containeraccording to claim 1, wherein the protection feature comprises aplurality of apertures.
 4. The container according to claim 1, whereinthe protection feature comprises a barrier.
 5. The container accordingto claim 1, wherein the protection feature comprises a barriersubstantially integral with the stay-tab.
 6. The container according toclaim 1, wherein the protection feature comprises a barrier defining atleast a portion of an aperture.
 7. The container according to claim 1,wherein the protection feature comprises a barrier adapted to define atleast a portion of an aperture between the stay-tab and a periphery ofthe dispensing opening.
 8. An improved container lid having connectedthereto a stay-tab adapted to be manipulated to create an opening in thelid, the improvement comprising a protection feature adapted to be movedinto substantial juxtapositional orientation with the opening tosubstantially prevent objectionable objects from entering through theopening while still allowing dispensation of contents through theopening.
 9. The lid according to claim 8, wherein the protectionfeatures is at least partially defined by the stay-tab.
 10. The lidaccording to claim 8, wherein the protection feature comprises aplurality of apertures.
 11. The lid according to claim 8, wherein theprotection feature comprises a barrier.
 12. The lid according to claim8, wherein the protection feature comprises a barrier adapted to defineat least a portion of an aperture between the stay-tab and a peripheryof the dispensing opening.
 13. An improved stay-tab adapted to beattached to a container and to be manipulated to create a dispensingopening in the container, the improvement comprising a protectionfeature adapted to be moved into substantial juxtapositional orientationwith the opening to substantially prevent objectionable objects fromentering through the opening while still allowing dispensation ofcontents through the opening.
 14. The stay-tab according to claim 13,wherein the protection features is at least partially defined by thestay-tab.
 15. The stay-tab according to claim 13, wherein the protectionfeature comprises a plurality of apertures.
 16. The stay-tab accordingto claim 13, wherein the protection feature comprises a barrier.
 17. Thestay-tab according to claim 13, wherein the protection feature comprisesa barrier adapted to define at least a portion of an aperture betweenthe stay-tab and a periphery of the dispensing opening.
 18. A method,comprising attaching to a container a stay-tab having a protectionfeature adapted to be moved into substantial juxtapositional orientationwith an opening in the container to substantially prevent objectionableobjects from entering through the opening while still allowingdispensation of contents through the opening.
 19. The method of claim18, wherein moving the protection feature comprises pivoting thestay-tab about a connection point defined therein.
 20. The method ofclaim 18, wherein moving the protection feature comprises pivoting thestay-tab substantially one-half of a turn about a connection pointdefined therein.
 21. The method of claim 18, wherein the stay-tab isfurther adapted to be manipulated to create the opening.
 22. A method,comprising forming a stay-tab having a protection feature adapted to bemoved into substantial juxtapositional orientation with an opening inthe container to substantially prevent objectionable objects fromentering through the opening while still allowing dispensation ofcontents through the opening.
 23. The method of claim 22, wherein movingthe protection feature comprises pivoting the stay-tab about aconnection point defined therein.
 24. The method of claim 22, whereinmoving the protection feature comprises pivoting the stay-tabsubstantially one-half of a turn about a connection point definedtherein.
 25. The method of claim 22, wherein the stay-tab is furtheradapted to be manipulated to create the opening.